[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

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                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2002

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Somerville High 
School in Somerville, Massachusetts on the occasion of its 150th 
anniversary. The phrase, ``dedicated to the preparation of youth for 
the responsibilities of life'' is etched on the building's facade and 
this is truly an accurate description of its mission.
  The Somerville Free High School was dedicated on April 28, 1852. When 
the doors opened on May 3rd, two teachers taught sixty-six students. In 
1862, the first graduating class had six members.
  The facility we now know as Somerville High School was once two 
institutions: Somerville's Twin High Schools. Students from English 
High School were prepared for scientific, normal and business schools 
while students from Latin High School were prepared for college. Both 
the 1900 and 1904 World's Fairs in Paris and St. Louis featured the 
Twin High Schools in their educational exhibits. In 1902, Somerville 
spent three days celebrating their high school's 50th anniversary.
  In 1911, the Twin High Schools were merged and became Somerville High 
School. The school was rebuilt and expanded from 1928-1929 to include a 
gymnasium and a space for 3,000 students.
  In 1983, Somerville High School was renovated. A new vocational wing 
and field house were added to the facility. The Somerville Technical 
Trade School, established in 1910, merged with Somerville High School 
at this time. When the New England Association of Schools and Colleges 
issued its accreditation report in 1990 it praised Somerville High 
School, calling it: ``the best kept secret in Massachusetts.''
  Somerville High School has a strong sports tradition that continues 
today. The school has won seven New England Technical Tournament 
basketball championships since 1944 and a New England basketball title 
in 1949. Several of its athletes were selected for All-Scholastic 
Teams, and several became individual State and New England champions in 
Indoor and Outdoor track. The girls basketball program has also enjoyed 
tremendous success and last year included the alltime scoring leader.
  Somerville High School lives up to its bold crest, which proclaims 
Honor and Progress. It has been a tremendous asset to its students over 
the last 150 years. I am a proud graduate of Somerville High School and 
know that this fine institution will continue to serve Somerville's 
young people with distinction.

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